We’re hesitant to throw the “B” word out around here, but through 12 weeks of the 2012 season, Darren McFadden has been a fantasy football bust.

In the preseason, he tantalized potential owners with his immense promise and major upside for a player that went in the second or third round of most drafts. Unfortunately, for those who gambled on the high-risk, high-reward Oakland Raiders back, he’s been nothing but a disappointment.

McFadden has only gained 455 yards and scored two touchdowns on 139 rushing attempts, and hauled in 31 receptions for 190 yards (13 of these came in Week 1, further torturing owners). He’s only seen action in eight games and his production was subpar in a handful of those.

As a five-year veteran in the NFL, McFadden has surprisingly only put together a single 1,000-plus-yard season—way back in 2010. He was hurt last year and that disappointing trend is continuing in 2012.

However, there is now talk that Run DMC could be back on the field in Week 13, when the Oakland Raiders host the Cleveland Browns in the Black Hole.

CBSSports.com’s Eric Gilmore is reporting that coach Dennis Allen is hopeful that McFadden returns to practice this Wednesday after missing the past three games with a high-ankle sprain.

Should the former Arkansas standout be able to get on the practice field and avoid any setbacks, there is a solid chance he suits up on Sunday and starts against Cleveland. Considering Week 13 is the last week of most fantasy football seasons, the timing could not be more opportune.

Will McFadden step up, play and deliver on Sunday?

No, he's not going to playNo, he's going to play, but not wellYes, he's going to find redeem himselfSubmit Votevote to see results

Will McFadden step up, play and deliver on Sunday?

No, he's not going to play

25.5%

No, he's going to play, but not well

36.4%

Yes, he's going to find redeem himself

38.1%

Total votes: 1,386

We imagine plenty of Run DMC’s owners have painstakingly stuck with their pick through the past few weeks, and a solid percent of those are right on the cusp of making the playoffs, with this last game making all the difference.

If McFadden comes back and delivers a performance worthy of his draft position, helping guide a number of his owners to fantasy glory and a playoff spot, he’s going to totally redeem himself for all of his shortcomings in 2012.

It would be a welcome sight to see and a fitting end to an up-and-down season for the Raiders' superstar.